Rachel Dodds

The teachings and practices of Tibetan Buddhism are extremely effective even in modern times.
It is a system which is still producing a large number of realized beings even to this day and the vital essence and effectiveness of the practices have remained intact over the centuries, up to this day.
After having experienced all the training in a traditional monastic setting, I have discussed with many other practitioners who have done the same, and have come to appreciate both the incredible gift that receiving these teachings has been, but also how difficult it is to receive them and practice them in the traditional way rooted in the Tibetan monastic culture.
For many lay practitioners unfamiliar with Tibetan or Himalayan culture, the method of practice, such as the traditional solitary three year, three month retreat, is usually not suitable or possible.
Understanding these teachings and practicing them in a manner appropriate to our times, such as incorporating various methods from other traditions is of great help to facilitate progress and reduce the obstacles that practitioners experience along a spiritual path.
In particular, supporting the physical body , as well as the emotional body and balancing sexual energies through the practice of Hatha Yoga, Thai Chi Chuan, and the latest insights of Western psychology are of great benefit.
A typical seminar that I would teach, often with my husband Giorgio Savigliano includes Hatha Yoga, breathing practices of pranayama, meditation, philosophy and practical advice to bring the teachings into daily life, as well as space for discussion and questions.
This balanced approach allows the body and mind to be in harmony, supporting each other instead of obstructing each other.

I have been practicing the Buddhist path intensely since 1999, as a student of His Eminence Garchen RInpoche , I have spent a lot of time at Garchen Buddhist Institute in Arizona, receiving teachings, practicing daily and completing a 100 day solitary retreat on the preliminary practices called the Four Thoughts..
With a group of like-minded practitioners, we organized and started the first three year, three month retreat for westerners , in the Drikung Kagyu Tradition.
The retreat took place in Almora, Kumaon in the Himalayas, with the blessing and support of His Holiness Drikung Kyabgon Chetsang Rinpoche, the head of our lineage.
The retreat was led by Drupon Champa Rigzin Rinpoche and was conducted in the traditional monastic style, along with several monks of the Drikung Kagyu from different regions of the Himalayas.
During the retreat, I practiced the complete FIve Fold Path of Mahamudra (the path of mind)and the Six Yogas (Doctrines) of Naropa (The path of prana, energy), supplemented by training in ritual .
From July 2008 to 2009 I continued the study of the ritual including sand mandala and torma scupturing, while living at Songtsen Library in Dehradun, India, the main seat of the Drikung Kagyu lineage in exile; I was fortunate to be able to help Kyabgon Chetsang Rinpoche in various tasks, and continued my study of classical Tibetan language.
In 2010 His Eminence Garchen Rinpoche authorized me to teach meditation in the tradition of the Drikung Kagyu with the follow words:
"I am very pleased with the progress that Rachel has accomplished in her meditative practice, and her studies and I fully support her as a teacher of the Buddhadharma.
I have faith in , both the outer teachings she has received and her inner qualities and practice, including the view and meditation.
Because of these qualities and her genuine desire from the depths of her heart to benefit beings, I have been authorized by Kyabgon Chetsang Rinpoche to confere the title of Drupon, (retreat master)".
From July 2010 I have been living in Italy, and teach and guide retreats in various Drikung centers in Europe and the United States.
I also teach meditation groups and do regular workshops in Italy and Switzerland, with my husband Giorgio Savigliano.